What We Do

In the Evolutionary Biology Program, we use the powerful tools of molecular biology to explore the earth’s biodiversity.

Much of our research centers on understanding relationships of various types. Examples include:

• relationships among species in an evolutionary tree

• movements between populations in different places

• family relationships among individuals in a social group

• associations between diseases or parasites and their hosts

These studies expand our understanding of the natural world, allow us ask ever more sophisticated questions about the ecology, behavior, and evolution of birds and other organisms, and guide us to make wise conservation decisions.